Can I have my marriage ceremony in another "state" (PR) from where the license is obtained and signed (NY)?

Question

We want to get legally married in New York, but have the ceremony in Puerto Rico. Is it okay for the minister to officiate in Puerto Rico for a NY marriage license?

Answer 1

You sign the license in whichever state you are getting married in. In your case, since you want to get legally married in NY, you have to apply for marriage in NY. Heres the website that might further answer your question.

http://marriage.about.com/cs/marriagelic...

Answer 2

A license has to applied for the state or territory that the service is being performed in. Plus the person performing the service (rabbi, priest, pastor, etc.) has to be licensed to perform marriages in that particular state or territory.

A guy from New York can not sign off on papers for PR.

Probably the best thing to do is to go to the justice of the peace in New York and get married. Then go to PR and do the whole ceremony and have someone just say the words in regard to the religious aspect.

You might find that mentally problematic. But look at it as if you are not really married until a minister does it...... the justice of the peace was just paperwork.

And yes, the Puerto Rican requirement to marry are complex and time consuming.

Answer 3

A marriage in Puerto Rico would be legal in and of itself.  Each state and Territory sets its own marriage laws.  They will give full faith and credit, but the license will have to come from the place where you get married.  Also, the Minister has to be licensed to perform the service where he or she is doing the service.